How To Select A Portable Pickleball Net

Portable pickleball nets (often referred to as "portable pickleball net systems") are the perfect way for players to be able to set up a court in a variety of settings. The most common scenario is to put up a portable net on tennis courts or in a gym. But when a court or gym may not be available, you can also easily put up a net in a driveway, cul-de-sac, deserted parking lot, or anywhere else there’s enough space. For a very low investment you can set up a game in just a few minutes.

Factors To Consider

When deciding what type of net will be right for you, there are several factors to consider. For example, if you're looking for a tournament net, you'll want a sturdy, durable net that is standard regulation size and will hold up well with frequent use. If you’re a recreational player seeking an easily deployed net, price may be your most important criteria. Ease of maneuverability is another important consideration. Some homeowners or facility directors with plenty of space for one or more pickleball courts and storage might prefer nets on wheels that can be easily rolled off the court to a storage area when not needed, without having to be disassembled.

Another factor to keep in mind is weight. If you'll be frequently transporting your net from your car to the courts, a lighter weight net will be much more comfortable to carry. All of the truly portable nets come with carrying bags that have carrying straps and/or wheels so that you can easily transport them.

USA Pickleball and the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) guidelines require that regulation nets measure 22' wide, 36" height at the net's sidelines, and 34" at the center of the net. So if you are looking for a net that meets official tournament regulations you'll want to get one this size. Regulation size pickleball courts are 20' wide, so having a 22' wide net provides one foot of net on each side extending past the sidelines of the court.

If you don't need a tournament net and just want a net for casual rec play, drilling, or having some fun with the kids, or if you don't have enough space for a full sized court, there are some smaller nets that provide an even less expensive solution for playing and practicing. We offer a few 20' wide nets, which are wide enough to span the full 20' pickleball court width, but won't have the additional foot on each side extending past the court's sidelines that a 22' regulation size net requires. For even smaller spaces like a garage or driveway, a 10' wide "mini" net provides a great way to practice your dinks when you can't get to the courts.

Six Recommended Portable Pickleball Nets

10' Mini Practice Nets
10' nets such as the Picklenet Mini Practice Net are an ideal option for practicing in smaller spaces like driveways, and can be handy when traveling.

20' Portable Pickleball Nets
20' nets with the frame sitting on the ground, such as the Rally Portable Lightweight Pickleball Net System, can be a good option for players who don't need a tournament sized net. Lightweight, durable and inexpensive, this net features shock cord connection on all the frame parts, making it quick and easy to assemble.

22' Nets That Meet USA Pickleball and IFP Guidelines
22' nets with space below the bottom of the net, such as the Rally Deluxe Portable Net System, are a favorite with many players who like to be able to roll balls underneath the net to pass them to players on the other side. A perennial best-seller, this net is constructed with a powder-coated steel frame that has oval tubing, making it extremely sturdy and easy to assemble. Regulation size, this durable net is a great option for both recreational and tournament play.

SwiftNet 2.1 Portable Pickleball Net System
The 22' regulation size SwiftNet is in a class of its own, as the only easily portable net that plays like a permanent net. Made of strong and lightweight carbon fiber recycled from the aerospace industry, the SwiftNet weighs only 17 lbs (including the storage bag) so it's extremely easy to carry. Designed with shock cord that connects all of the frame pieces it is a snap to put together, making it the easiest and fastest portable net to assemble. Players love this net's performance and durability.

Nets With Wheels
22' nets with wheels, such as the Deluxe PickleNet Portable Net System, provide ultimate maneuverability for court facilities. This regulation size net also has the benefits of oval tubing constructed from powder-coated steel. The four wheels make it a breeze to slide the net on and off the court, a great option for community centers or other multi-use locations that need to quickly move their nets elsewhere when pickleball is not in play.

The Douglas Net Premier PPS-22SQ Portable Pickleball Net System is a top-of-the line 22' regulation net system constructed with an extremely durable, heavy-duty steel frame, stabilizer legs for stability, and an end wheel assembly for mobility. This portable net is the closest in quality and durability to a permanent net, but thanks to the wheels does not require the expense of any drilling or pouring concrete. Developed for use at the USA Pickleball National Championships at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this net is an ideal option for sports clubs adding pickleball to their facilities.

Whether you're playing just for fun or gearing up for tournaments, having a portable pickleball net in your collection of pickleball gear gives you the flexibility to play just about anywhere. We carry dozens of portable pickleball nets of every type – you can compare them all here, or view them side-by-side in the chart below. If you have questions, call us at 888-854-0163. Our customer care experts will be happy to help you select the best net for your needs.